WhatsApp introduces status update mentions

Instant messaging service WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that will allow users to directly “mention” their friends on their statuses.

Tech website Techwiser reports that this is one among new features that the app has been adding over the last few months, and is already a favourite among Instagram users.

“What that means is you can now ‘@’ mention contacts (friends and family members) when updating your WhatsApp status.”

 “When creating a new WhatsApp status, you’ll notice a new @ button at the bottom right corner. Tap the @ button to add the names of the contacts you want to mention,” the report notes, adding, “The mentioned contacts will receive a notification immediately so they can view your Status update. They will also receive a chat message from the contact notifying of the status update and mention.”

Contacts can then reshare your status by tapping the reshare button that is added.

The status mention feature also comes with privacy, as no one else viewing the status update can view the mentioned names except those who have been mentioned.

The feature is currently available only on Android devices, but it is yet to be accessible for iPhone users. To use it, you must be running WhatsApp beta version 2.24.20.3 or higher.

Time reports that the global messaging platform owned by Meta has rolled out other new features recently, including a different way to log in and an artificial intelligence assistant in the app. 

“People with Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Google phones can now also use Face Unlock, instead of their fingerprint or PIN, to unlock and view messages on WhatsApp. On April 18, Meta expanded a new AI assistant across its social platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.”

The report adds: “Meta AI in English is now available in more than a dozen countries outside of the U.S.—Australia, Canada, Ghana, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Nigeria, Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.”